Media Release

An unidentified male died Tuesday (September 2,) after being involved in a one-vehicle crash on Liloa Road in Laupahoehoe.

Responding to a 11:41 a.m. call, North Hilo patrol officers determined that the male was operating a 4-door station wagon and traveling south on Liloa Road when he lost control and ran off the left side of the road.

The vehicle caught on fire and the driver was unable to escape. Fire Department personnel extinguished the fire.

The victim was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:01 p.m.

It is unknown at this time if speed, alcohol or drugs were involved in this crash.

Police are continuing their investigation to ascertain the identity of the driver.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

This is the 17th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 26 at this time last year.